In North America, if it’s not a crossover, truck or SUV, a vehicle’s sales are probably declining.

New passenger car sales have decreased 12 percent through the first eight months of 2017, compared to the same period last year. The result is 565,000 fewer cars being sold, while the light truck category sees a four-percent increase year-over-year. In terms of total auto sales, cars now account for just 37 percent, down from over 50 percent as recently as 2012.

There are, however, some cars that continue to see growth in sales, although there aren’t many. Our friends at The Truth About Cars compiled data from the Automotive News Data Center, seeking out cars with a meaningful volume of at least 1,000 U.S. sales per month. Models that weren’t on sale throughout the first eight months of 2016 were also excluded. The result? A total of 16 cars that have seen a growth in sales over 2016, and here are the top 10.

10. BMW 4 Series

Through eight months of 2016, the BMW 4 Series saw 23,747 units sold. This year, however, the German luxury automaker’s popular model has seen an uptick to 26,629 units sold for 12.1-percent growth.

9. Kia Forte

Kia‘s affordable compact car continues to be popular after moving 81,461 units through eight months of 2017. Last year, over the same time period, Kia sold 71,352 units. That marks a 14.2-percent increase in sales for the Kia Forte.

8. Toyota Yaris iA / Scion iA

The Toyota Yaris iA started its life as the Scion iA, before the Japanese automaker decided to discontinue the brand. Through eight months of 2016, the iA sold 21,949 units. This year, however, Toyota’s branding may have contributed to the model’s boost in sales to 25,472 units, a 16.1-percent increase.

7. Volkswagen Beetle

Although the Volkswagen Beetle saw a 16.1-percent increase in sales, the overall volume is still a bit low for the iconic compact. Last year, Volkswagen sold 9,820 units through the first eight months of the year. Over the same time period in 2017, a total of 11,404 Beetles have left dealership lots.

6. Toyota Corolla iM / Scion iM

Like the Yaris iA, the Toyota Corolla iM started its life as a Scion model. Sales of the model have increased 18.5 percent to 14,313 units through the first eight months of 2017. Last year, 12,079 units were sold through the first eight months.

5. Nissan Leaf

Nissan has introduced its all-new, next-generation Leaf, but the current model is still seeing success. Through the first eight months of 2016, the Nissan sold 7,922 Leaf electric vehicles in America. This year, however, it has sold 9,685 units through the first eight months, marking a 22.3-percent increase.

4. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda‘s popular lightweight sports car may have low volume numbers compared to the brand’s crossovers, but the MX-5 Miata continues to see growth. Last year, the company sold 7,088 units through the first eight months. Over the same time period this year, however, Mazda has seen 8,871 units roll off dealership lots for a 25.2-percent increase.

3. Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf family’s sales are boosted by the SportWagen/Alltrack variant, helping increase sales from 36,513 units over the first eight months of 2016 to 49,791 units through the first eight months of this year. That’s an impressive 36.4-percent increase in sales.

2. Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza sees a boost in sales with the introduction of an all-new model. Sales jumped 44.6 percent year-over-year, after moving 40,284 units through the first eight months of 2016. This year, Subaru has sold 58,265 units over the same time period.

1. Audi A5

But the model seeing the biggest growth in sales through the first eight months of 2017 is the Audi A5. This year, the German automaker has sold 11,597 units compared to last year’s figure of 5,926 units. That represents a 95.7-percent increase, and the availability of a new, more practical four-door Sportback model probably has something to do with this.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/09/top-10-non-cuvs-that-are-seeing-a-rare-increase-in-sales.html/feed0more]]>2018 Nissan Leaf Arrives With 150-Mile Range, $30k Price Taghttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/09/new-2018-nissan-leaf-arrives-150-mile-range-30k-price-tag.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/09/new-2018-nissan-leaf-arrives-150-mile-range-30k-price-tag.html#respondWed, 06 Sep 2017 02:41:32 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=5440822018 Nissan Leaf Arrives With 150-Mile Range, $30k Price TagIt's cheaper than the old Leaf and the Chevrolet Bolt EV. more]]> [See image gallery at www.autoguide.com]
The 2018 Nissan Leaf has made its official debut in Tokyo before going on sale in North America early next year.

With a 150-mile (241-km) driving range and a price tag of just $29,990 in the U.S. ($690 lower than the 2017 Leaf and cheaper than the Chevrolet Bolt EV), many consumers looking to buy an affordable EV will find the new Leaf is just what they were asking for. Powering the EV is a 40 kWh battery and an 80-kilowatt electric motor producing 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is limited to 87 mph (140 km/h). Nissan promises a quicker version with a more power and larger battery pack will arrive in 2019.

As far as charging goes, a 3 kW charger should get the job done in around eight hours and an 80 percent charge is possible in 40 minutes through fast charging. An uprated Level 2 charger will be available on S and SV trim lines and will come standard on the top-of-the-line SL variant.

Sweetening the deal is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous technology, which can control the vehicle’s acceleration, braking, and steering inputs during single-lane highway driving. It’s paired with more tech in the way of a ProPilot Park self-parking system and an e-Pedal, which allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate and stop using the accelerator. When the pedal is fully released, the brakes and the regeneration come on to bring the vehicle to a stop.

The cabin looks to be heavily upgraded from the old model with a fancy new TFT instrument display and a high-def 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even lower spec models will come well equipped with a 6-inch display.

The 2018 Nissan Leaf will go on sale in all 50 U.S. states in early 2018.

You would think the new Nissan Leaf is as exciting as the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.

The Japanese automaker has continued its extensive teaser campaign for its new Leaf, and it’s coming close to rivaling the lengthy Dodge Challenger SRT Demon teasers. And maybe to some car buyers, the new Nissan Leaf is more exciting than the 840-horsepower Dodge Demon.

The latest teaser video doesn’t reveal much about the car, as the video simply highlights what we can expect when it debuts on September 6 in Japan. Nissan is putting a focus on the technology heading to the new Leaf, as well as focusing on the promise of a more premium interior for the world’s best-selling electric vehicle.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/08/new-nissan-leaf-promises-to-amaze-your-senses-.html/feed0more]]>Where to Check Out the Nissan Leaf After it Debuts Next Monthhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/08/where-to-check-out-the-nissan-leaf-after-it-debuts-next-month.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/08/where-to-check-out-the-nissan-leaf-after-it-debuts-next-month.html#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 17:54:10 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=533128Where to Check Out the Nissan Leaf After it Debuts Next MonthYou won't have to wait until some major auto show to check out the new Nissan Leaf in person. more]]>

You won’t have to wait until some major auto show to check out the new Nissan Leaf in person.

After the next-generation Leaf makes its debut on September 5, the Japanese automaker will be taking it to several stops around the U.S. as part of National Drive Electric Week. It will make a total of eight different stops from September 9 to September 16 and Leaf owners will be able to sign up for “Drive and Discover Experience” test drive opportunities that are coming to select cities later this fall.

On September 9, the new Nissan Leaf will be in Seattle, Washington (Denny Park, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM), San Diego, California (Qualcomm Stadium, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM), and Alpharetta, Georgia (Avalon, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM). On September 14, it will be at the Bridgewater Municipal Building Car Park from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Bridgewater, New Jersey. A couple days later, it will head to four different locations: Portland, Oregon (Washington Square, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM), Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles State Historic Park, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM), Cupertino, California (DeAnza College, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM), and Cambridge, Massachusetts (Danehy Park, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

“The timing couldn’t be better. Bringing LEAF to some of the most enthusiastic EV advocates just days after its global debut is the perfect way to kick things off for this technology-packed car,” said Brian Maragno, director, Nissan EV Marketing and Sales Strategy. “We can’t wait to show off the all-new LEAF to electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts during National Drive Electric Week.”

Information on the upcoming 2018 Nissan Leaf has leaked online this week along with some grainy images of the new EV.

The Japanese automaker has been doing an extensive teaser campaign for the all-new Leaf, but we imagine these leaked images and specifications aren’t meant to be part of it. The leaked photos of the new EV come via Twitter user @2001yNB8C bluemiata and have since been deleted – but we all know nothing truly gets erased once it appears on the Internet. The translated tweet explains how he works for Nissan and spotted the new Leaf at the inspection line of the Oppama factory in Japan.

Following the leak, Autobytelposted the images to its page for the 2018 Nissan Leaf along with pricing and specifications. At a glance, it may seem as if the data was just copied over from the 2017 model since the three trim levels are the same: S, SL, and SV. But looking closer at the specs, they’re indeed different with the 2018 Nissan Leaf having 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, compared to the current model’s 107 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. The entry-level model appears to have a 40-kWh battery, which will be comparatively smaller to the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt. We’ll have to wait for actual confirmation on the car’s range before we decide just how competitive the new Leaf will be.

As for pricing, it will start under $30,000 if Autobytel‘s pricing is accurate, with the base model priced from $29,990 presumably without destination fee. The Leaf SV’s pricing is said to be $32,490 while the range-topping SL is $36,200. All models are said to be powered by a 110-kW AC synchronous motor.

For now, we will have to wait until the car’s official debut on September 5 to see if there’s any truth to the early listing.

The promotional campaign for the next-generation Leaf has continued with yet another teaser.

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is set to debut on September 5, and for the past month or so, Nissan has released several teasers for one of its most important models. The most recent teaser focuses on the car’s improved aerodynamic design, with Nissan promises makes the Leaf even more efficient. Expect the new Leaf to be lower to the ground, helping it realize zero lift for better stability at high speeds. The Japanese automaker also said other new design features have significantly stabilized the car when it’s hit by strong crosswinds.

When it came to designing the 2018 Nissan Leaf, the company’s engineers were inspired by airplane wings when it came to creating the ideal shape for the car. The result is a symmetric air flow, allowing the Leaf to “slice through the air for a smoother, more efficient journey.”

The Nissan Leaf is currently the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, based on cumulative data from December 2010 to June 2017 with over 277,000 units sold.

Photos have emerged of a completely uncovered next-generation Leaf spotted in Barcelona, Spain, apparently while in the midst of filming a commercial. The photos, sent to Norway’s TV2 television channel (Norway does love its EVs…), show the unclothed Leaf wearing a far more appealing body than that of its predecessor.

Still sporting a hatchback bodystyle, the 2018 Leaf boasts a number of advancements Nissan has slowly and carefully dripped to the media over the past few months. Head office won’t be happy to see these pics.

Gone is the first-generation Leaf’s bulbous body and fishlike face, replaced by a (vertically) slimming black roof — a motif that extends all of the way down the A-pillars and partly down the C-pillar — and a corporate front end treatment. Relatively flat bodysides and a strongly sculpted rear bumper suggests to the viewer that this vehicle needs all the aerodynamic help it can get. Less drag equals more range, whatever the figure ends up being.

We’ll learn the full range of specs when the Leaf officially debuts on September 6th. Given the state of the electric car marketplace, a range of at least 200 miles is a necessity. We’ve heard the 250 figure tossed about as a possible driving radius; certainly, whatever Nissan has planned will undoubtedly blow the current Leaf’s 107-mile range out of the water. In the little hatchback’s sights are the similar Chevrolet Bolt and sedan-only Tesla Model 3.

The upgraded model will also feature Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system, which handles the driving duties in a variety of scenarios. No, it’s not a fully self-driving car, but Tesla-style updates should follow its release.

One unique feature found on the 2018 model is Nissan’s e-Pedal, which allows for single-pedal driving. While Nissan assures us there’s still a brake pedal, the vehicle’s strong regenerative braking allows drivers to slow, stop, and hold the vehicle on an incline just by letting off the accelerator.

For Nissan, the new Leaf can’t arrive soon enough. While the model isn’t a big money maker for the brand, no automaker wants its former technology champ sitting on the sidelines, muscles atrophied, wheezing. Perhaps due to falling prices and hard-to-pass-up local deals, the Leaf has posted 10 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains in the U.S.

Modern cars have always had at least two pedals, one serving as an accelerator and the other for braking. But Nissan might be working on a way to get rid of the brake pedal, if the Japanese automaker’s new e-Pedal serves its purpose. The revolutionary technology will make its debut on the new Nissan Leaf on September 5, but the company has released a short video showing off its purpose.

By flipping a switch, the accelerator pedal turns into an e-Pedal, allowing the driver to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using just the e-Pedal. Nissan claims it’s the world’s first one-pedal operation that allows drivers to bring the car to a complete stop even on hills, stay in position, and resume driving instantly.

The idea behind the e-Pedal is so drivers won’t need to shift from one pedal to the other in 90 percent of their driving needs, Nissan said. Something tells us, however, that drivers are going to have a hard time to not instinctively use the brake pedal to stop.

We’ll learn more about the all-new Nissan Leaf once it makes its debut in a couple of months.

The self-parking system is a part of Nissan’s ProPilot Assist suite of semi-autonomous driving tech. It uses sonar and cameras to guide the vehicle into a parking spot, controlling the braking, gas and steering inputs. All the driver has to do to activate the system is find their parking spot, push a button in the center console and watch the car do its thing. Nissan suggests they monitor their surroundings and apply the brakes if necessary, however.

In addition to ProPilot Park, the Leaf’s ProPilot Assist will enable autonomous driving on highways. Similar to the park assist system, the 2018 Leaf will be able to drive itself in a single lane at the push of a button, applying gas, brake and steering inputs as needed. Having both the parking and self-driving tech appear in production form on the Leaf is a major step forward for Nissan’s goal to one day bring autonomous vehicles to market.

The new Leaf is expected to carry a maximum driving range of 210-220 miles when it arrives later this summer. More information on the next EV will trickle out between now and then, but for now, you can see how its ProPilot Park assist works in the video embedded below.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/07/nissan-demonstrates-new-leafs-advanced-park-assist.html/feed0more]]>All the Electric Vehicles Currently Available in 2017http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/07/all-the-electric-vehicles-currently-available-in-2017.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/07/all-the-electric-vehicles-currently-available-in-2017.html#commentsTue, 04 Jul 2017 18:11:23 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=505884All the Electric Vehicles Currently Available in 2017While the electric vehicle market is expanding, there are still limited options in North America. more]]>

While the electric vehicle market is expanding, there are still limited options in North America.

If you’re looking to get behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle, there are plenty of hybrids and plug-in hybrids available today. But for those seeking a fully electric vehicle, the number of options will depend on where you live. That’s because not all electric vehicles are available in every market — but here is a list of all the EVs that are currently available in 2017, and where you can buy them.

BMW i3

Available nationwide in the U.S., the BMW i3 starts from $43,395 including destination. In Canada, the BMW i3 is priced from $49,645. The BMW i3 is part of the German automaker’s i sub-brand, which focuses solely on electrified vehicles. The BMW i3 can also be had with a range extender engine for those seeking more range than 114 miles it offers. With the range extender, the BMW i3 is capable of traveling up to 180 miles on a single charge.

Chevrolet Bolt

It’s widely considered the first electric vehicle that’s not only affordable, but offers impressive range, getting up to 238 miles on a single charge. In the U.S., the Chevrolet Bolt is available nationwide with a starting price of $37,495, while it is costs $44,795 in Canada.

Fiat 500e

Available only in California and Oregon, the Fiat 500e earned its reputation as the car Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne asked people not to buy. That’s because the automaker claims it’s losing money on each one sold, and it’s solely made for compliance reasons. But if you feel so inclined to get your hands on one, the Fiat 500e starts from $33,990, while offering up to 87 miles of range.

Ford Focus Electric

Priced from $29,995 in the U.S. and $33,848 in Canada, the Ford Focus Electric offers up to 115 miles of range. It’s available in selects markets across U.S. including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tucson, and Washington, D.C.

Honda Clarity Electric

The Honda Clarity Electric won’t arrive until August and will initially only be available in California and Oregon. No retail pricing for the model has been announced, but Honda is already advertising a $269 per month lease for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing. The model may not be for everyone however, as it will only offer up to 80 miles of range on a single charge.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Currently the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is only available to customers in California with a starting price of $30,385. That gets buyers up to 124 miles of range on a single charge. It is also available in Canada with a starting price of $37,354.

Kia Soul EV

The Kia Soul EV is available in various states across the U.S. including California, Georgia, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland. The crossover offers up to 93 miles on a single charge and starts from $34,845 in the U.S. California shoppers however, can opt for a cheaper EV-e model that starts from $33,145. In Canada, the Kia Soul EV starts from $37,135.

Mercedes-Benz B250e

Priced from $40,895, the Mercedes-Benz B250e is an interesting option for those looking for a bit of luxury in their electric vehicle. In the U.S., the all-electric B-Class is available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The model offers up to 87 miles of all-electric range.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

You’ll have a tough time finding a 2017 model year Mitsubishi i-MiEV in the U.S. as it doesn’t seem long for the world. It is however, the most affordable EV in America if you manage to get your hands on one, with a starting price of $23,845. In Canada, the i-MiEV starts from $29,698. It only offers up to 59 miles on a single charge and considering the next generation of electric vehicles are set to arrive soon, it’s best to pass on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

Nissan Leaf

Speaking of next-generation electric vehicles, Nissan is getting ready to unveil its new Leaf. But if you’re eager, the current model is available in the U.S. from $30,680 and can be purchased nationwide. In Canada, the Nissan Leaf starts from $35,988. The current model offers a range of a range of 107 miles.

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

Set to arrive this summer, the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive will start from $24,550 in the U.S. or $28,750 if you prefer a convertible. It will be available in all 50 states, with the compact electric vehicle returning an estimated driving range between 70 to 80 miles.

Tesla Model S

Given Tesla‘s unorthodox method of selling vehicles directly to consumers, the American automaker isn’t readily available in North America. You can however, find Tesla Stores and Galleries throughout North America, although not every state allows Tesla to sell its vehicles. The Model S 75 starts from $70,700 and offers up to 249 miles of range on a single charge. You can get up to 335 miles with the 100D model that starts from $98,700, while performance-minded enthusiasts will want the P100D with 315 miles of range and a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds for $141,200. In Canada, the Model S starts from $95,950 for the 75 model. The 100D is priced at $134,900 and the P100D is $195,200.

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X is the only sizable all-electric SUV in the market for now, but expect plenty of competitors to enter the segment in the coming years. Like the Model S, the Model X is offered with several different options, with the base 75D model starting from $83,700 in the U.S. The Model X 100D is priced from $100,700 while at the top of the range is the P100D has a $146,200 price tag. The Model X 75D has a 237-mile range, while the 100D returns 295 miles. The P100D sacrifices some range for performance, returning 289 miles on a single charge. In Canada, the Model X starts from $117,450 while the 100D is priced from $140,750. The top of-the-range P100D is $205,300.

Volkswagen e-Golf

For something more practical, you can choose the Volkswagen e-Golf, which starts from $29,815 in the U.S., while in Canada it is priced from $37,640. The all-electric hatchback returns up to 83 miles on a single charge, making it a nice option for those looking for an EV that is styled like a traditional car. Currently, the Volkswagen e-Golf is available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/07/all-the-electric-vehicles-currently-available-in-2017.html/feed3more]]>2018 Nissan Leaf Teases its New Front Grillehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/06/2018-nissan-leaf-teases-its-new-front-grille.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/06/2018-nissan-leaf-teases-its-new-front-grille.html#respondFri, 30 Jun 2017 18:14:19 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=5090282018 Nissan Leaf Teases its New Front GrilleExpect more teasers to come leading up to the model's unveiling on September 6. more]]>

Nissan has again teased the next-generation Leaf EV ahead of the model’s unveiling on September 6.

The latest teaser image came courtesy of Nissan’s Twitter account, giving a small preview of the electric car’s front grille. The tweet also confirms we’ll know everything about the car in September, which means it will likely make its public debut just before the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Spy photographers have caught the next-generation Nissan Leaf testing numerous times. The EV will retain its hatchback design while also drawing inspiration from the Nissan IDS Concept and Micra in terms of styling.

The Japanese automaker has been promoting its ProPILOT Assist features that will be featured in the new Leaf, offering semi-autonomous technology for self-driving on the highway. Look for a driving range between 210 to 220 miles as the new Leaf will compete mainly with the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3.

We’ll have more info following its early September debut, but it’s almost certain Nissan will drop more teasers between then and now.

Expected to be unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the 2018 Nissan Leaf looks to build on the success of the first-generation model. While spy photographers have caught a prototype testing, giving us a good idea of what to expect, the Japanese automaker has begun releasing bits of information on what will make the second-generation Leaf special in what will likely become a very competitive segment in the coming years.

For starters, Nissan has released a short video showing off the ProPILOT Assist features that will be on the 2018 Nissan Leaf. These are semi-autonomous driving features that will enable the car to drive itself on highways with the push of a button, controlling the steering, acceleration, and braking. Like many other automakers, Nissan is working hard to develop fully autonomous cars that can drive themselves.

In terms of its design, the next-generation Nissan Leaf has a front end more in line with the rest of Nissan’s lineup and it will retain its hatchback body style. It appears it will be heavily influenced by the Nissan IDS Concept, as expected, but its range is still unknown. A maximum driving range of around 210 to 220 miles is expected.

The Nissan Leaf was launched as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle and since then, it continues to soldier on as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle with over 270,000 units sold worldwide. The Japanese automaker looks to build on that success as more automakers enter the EV segment and the cost of electric vehicles drop.

Look for more information once the 2018 Nissan Leaf makes its debut later this year.